A deer and coyote faced on in Yosemite National Park with the deer seemingly holding onto the upper hand.
Yosemite National Park is best known for it’s towering rock faces and stunning waterfalls, but a vast amount of wildlife can be found throughout its 1,200 square miles. Amphibians, birds, fish, reptiles, and plenty of mammals call the park their home.
Deer are frequent sights throughout the Yosemite Valley, munching on leaves and tender twigs from trees, grass, and herbs. They’re typically seem disinterested in humans, but that doesn’t mean they’re completely safe. In fact, more injuries are in Yosemite are inflicted by deer than any other animal.
Coyotes are also common in Yosemite National Park. They’re opportunist predators, primarily feeding on small mammals like rabbits and rodents, but they’ll occasionally go after young deer or sick/weakened adults.
It’s not exactly clear what caused this encounter between a deer and coyote, but it seems likely that this doe was attempting to chase the coyote away from a younger fawn.
Yosemite National Park can easily be visited without risk of harm or injury, but visitors should always keep plenty of space between themselves and wildlife. Tourists should never attempt to approach wildlife, feed wildlife, or otherwise interact with wildlife beyond simply observing from a distance. Read more on Yosemite safety below.
Yosemite National Park Wildlife Safety:
Respect animals at a distance: never feed or approach them.
- Keep your distance from animals, even if they approach you
- Dispose of trash in animal-proof trash cans or dumpsters
- Keep your food and trash from wildlife by storing it properly, day and night. More information about proper food storage is available.
- Failure to obey regulations may result in a fine of up to $5,000 and/or impoundment of your property.